Taking the Lexus LX 570 off-roading is like hiking up the side of a mountain, pack on back, tent in tote, canteen on belt, and granola for lunch to find a Ritz Carlton. You may think that after roughing it, that isn't roughing it. But, I doubt you would complain. If you can camp Beverly Hills style in wilderness beauty, then I'm all for it. So is Lexus.
When in 1996 the original LX debuted as an upscale version of the venerable Toyota Land Cruiser, many wondered if Japan's premier luxury brand had lost its noodle. Why, we wondered, would anybody pay thousands more for a chromed-over luxury wagon. Not only was the Lexus successful, but it also prompted Cadillac, Lincoln, Infiniti, and Mercedes to follow. It proved you could have a rugged SUV with all of the comfort and luxury found in the Lexus flagship sedans.
In the tradition of the original LX, the latest edition has the style of an LS 460 and a rugged body shell shared with the Toyota Land Cruiser. Details, like a wide stance, subtle character lines in the body, chrome-plated door handles, wide grille with "arrowhead" corner treatment, bumper sculpting, and LED taillamps project the Lexus L-finesse design theme. A chiseled hood hints at the power beneath while adaptive projector beam headlights turn around corners for safer driving. Puddle lamps on the side mirrors illuminate hazards; twenty-inch alloy wheels look great and bound over boulders (if one should do such things).
Climb inside and almost everything is leather-covered, woodpanelled, or button-controlled. Third-row seats are power-retracted, the rear liftgate is motorized, entry is keyless, starting is by button, front seat cushions are extendable, wipers are rain sensing, and Bluetooth-enabled navigation is controlled by voice. A four-zone, 28-vent independent climate control system bathes passengers with air while they 19-speaker Mark Levinson Reference Surround Sound plays up to 2,000 songs stored on a hard drive or DVDs on a 9-inch screen. XM satellite radio is available, as is XM NavTraffic real-time traffic updates that can route you around bottlenecks. Dual front airbags, dual front knee airbags, dual front side airbags, dual rear side airbags, and 3-row side curtains enhance safety. There's enough timber and laminated noise-resistant glass to build a 5-star hotel.
Whether motoring up the winding drive to a picturesque resort, or climbing a rugged trail to a mountain cabin, the LX 570's powertrain is up to the task. The previous engine has been replaced by a whisper-smooth 5.7-liter V8 that produces 383 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 403 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,600 rpm, which is 22 percent better than the previous engine. Lexus claims the engine will propel the LX 570 from 0-60 mph in 7.4 seconds on the way to a 137 mph top speed. At a slower pace, the LX can pull up to 8,500 lbs.
All of that Lexus gusto is mated to a new six-speed automatic transmission that was developed with techniques pioneered for the LS 460. Fuel economy is rated a very-SUVish 17.2/11.4 L/100 km city/highway. If you want to travel with the jet set, expect to pay for the privilege, and you'll pay in the currency of premium unleaded.
As expected in a body-on-frame, 5,995 lb. SUV, the LX 570 comes equipped to tackle anything in its path. Full-time all-wheel drive is standard, as is one sophisticated suspension system. Lexus' "posture control" suspension reduces brake dive and body sway, but loosens for a comfortable on-road demeanor. AHC (Active Height Control) lowers ride height by two inches for entry and exit, but returns to normal as the vehicle accelerates. AVS (Adaptive Variable Suspension) adjusts shock absorbers for bumpy roads, heavy loads, or higher speeds. A limited-slip locking center differential ensures all power is put to good use off-road. VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) and TRAC (electronic traction control) keep the LX pointed in the intended direction. Further helping off-road driving is HAC (Hill Assist Control) that keeps the vehicle stationary while starting on a steep incline or slippery surface, and Crawl Control that regulates engine speed and brake force to control descents. All-terrain antilock brakes are calibrated for all conditions.
"The original Lexus LX set the trend for the full-size luxury SUV, and the newest version, the LX 570, truly sets a new standard in luxury and technology for its class," said Mark Templin, Lexus Division group Vice-president and General Manager. "The new LX 570 sets a high-water mark for a Lexus utility vehicle by providing the ideal combination of on- and off-highway capability while at the same time increasing the luxury quotient and roominess."
I suspect anybody willing to pay $84,600 for an entry-level LX 570 will not be so concerned about gas mileage, need for premium unleaded, or a sleek 0.35 drag coefficient. If you buy an LX 570, you'll drive a luxury resort on wheels that can get you to your favorite place, no matter where it is. I suppose that is the greatest luxury of all. Competitors include the Cadillac Escalade, Mercedes GL, Lincoln Navigator, and Infiniti QX56.
This article is courtesy of www.car-data.com .
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